Business coach or business mentor: which do I need?
A business coach can help you think through a problem, question your assumptions and follow through on decisions. A business mentor also draws on relevant experience to offer perspective and suggestions. In practice, the roles often overlap, so the useful question is how someone will work with you and whether their experience fits what you need.
Start with the decision you need to make
You may want to change your prices, choose between two opportunities, delegate work or think about your future in the business. Being able to describe that question will make an initial conversation much more useful than asking for general help to grow.
Write down what is happening, what you have already tried and what would be different if the support worked. You do not need a polished brief. A recent example is often enough to get started.
Ask how the person works
Ask whether they mainly use questions, offer practical suggestions, help you work through the numbers or combine these approaches. Find out what happens between sessions and how you will review progress. If you need specialist legal, tax or financial advice, check the appropriate qualifications and professional remit.
Look for relevant experience
Someone who has run an independent business may recognise the practical constraints of cash flow, limited time and decisions that affect family life. Ask for examples of the situations they have worked on and how they would approach yours. A good conversation should leave room for your priorities and circumstances.
How I work at Good Company
I bring over 20 years of business ownership experience and an MBA from Warwick Business School. My work combines questions, practical tools and experience. We work through your options and agree steps that fit your business and the life you want alongside it.
Individual coaching can be useful when you need private time to explore a decision. A peer group can add perspectives from other owners and a regular opportunity to review progress.
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